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Speechless: What would you say if your life depended on it? A Pocket-Guide to Public Speaking and Effective Communication
Ever been at a loss for words on an important occasion? Be it a business presentation or a television appearance, a proposal of love or a one-to-one with your direct reports, this book helps you discover your voice and hence leaves your audience-and not you-speechless! A powerful D-I-Y book on effective public speaking, Speechless explores and explains the magic and logic which go into crafting an effective speech, presentation or talk. Authored by Roshan Abbas and Siddharth Banerjee, two of India's most experienced communicators, the book rests on the duo's belief that effective communication can be taught and shaped by deliberate practice. The authors have distilled 50 years of their experience in effective communication into a simple mantra that you can imbibe and follow, replete with examples, stories, tips and tricks, expert interviews and practice exercises. Speechless brings-for the first time in India-in-depth interviews of the country's foremost public speakers, thus serving as a guide to both amateurs and professionals who want to hone their power of public speaking.
- GenresNonfiction
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 29, 2018
Honest Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Review coming soon.
Review coming soon.
November 30, 2018
Received the book from the publishers.
Note: The review is in no way endorsed.
Picked up this book because personally for me talking in public or talking generally is a task. I am nervous and end up fumbling or rambling whilst in public/ or talking to someone important.
This book did help me to an extent and now have some definite insights and things I have now put into practice.
Overall the book is well written with lots of examples and technical highlights.
It covers everything that typically a person would be speaking at like public address, small group meetings, and workshops. If I say, it is not sharing examples, it won't hold good since it is full of examples and instances. If I say, it is not covering technical instructions, it's not true since it provides grand input technically.
Though there were some parts of the book which were slow which kind of put me off other than that I would definitely recommend this to people like me who struggle with public speaking.
Also, I would have liked it more and would have added a lot more value for me, if it was like a story of a person or a team with examples shining up in the story and the team or person sharing technical inputs as their learning in the process of the story.
Nonetheless, an insightful and comprehensive book.
3.5/5 stars!
Note: The review is in no way endorsed.
Picked up this book because personally for me talking in public or talking generally is a task. I am nervous and end up fumbling or rambling whilst in public/ or talking to someone important.
This book did help me to an extent and now have some definite insights and things I have now put into practice.
Overall the book is well written with lots of examples and technical highlights.
It covers everything that typically a person would be speaking at like public address, small group meetings, and workshops. If I say, it is not sharing examples, it won't hold good since it is full of examples and instances. If I say, it is not covering technical instructions, it's not true since it provides grand input technically.
Though there were some parts of the book which were slow which kind of put me off other than that I would definitely recommend this to people like me who struggle with public speaking.
Also, I would have liked it more and would have added a lot more value for me, if it was like a story of a person or a team with examples shining up in the story and the team or person sharing technical inputs as their learning in the process of the story.
Nonetheless, an insightful and comprehensive book.
3.5/5 stars!
July 31, 2019
I got this book for winning the HT Brunch Book Challenge 2018.
So this book is about tips for public speaking. Since the authors are famous orator and marketer themselves, they have shared their own experiences as well. This book is short and is divided into 10 chapters in a chronological sequence: from preparation through presentation to sign-off. Each phase is divided into 2 parts: a) Logic or the theories, technicalities and underlying objectives, and b) Magic, the actual implementation through tools and techniques.
Since I've personally read books on communication before, I knew most of the tips here. But I enjoyed the structure, the authors' personal experiences, some online references and suggestions were informative and handy. Personally, I'd like to use this book for future references, but I'd recommend this to others as first time intro to public speaking, or as a reference book. The reason it's so handy as a reference for brush-up in the future is because it's short and well structured.
The ending has interviews from some public speakers like Harsha Bhogle, Gaurav Kapoor, Mandira Bedi, Cyrus Sahukar and Mini Mathur. While they're informative, they get a bit too detailed and technical and may bore readers who aren't seriously considering hosting shows as a profession. But some of the advice, like the importance of preparation, reading and research etc. are useful for every reader who wants to speak in public, or in front of a group. He may have to sift these through the long interviews.
So this book is about tips for public speaking. Since the authors are famous orator and marketer themselves, they have shared their own experiences as well. This book is short and is divided into 10 chapters in a chronological sequence: from preparation through presentation to sign-off. Each phase is divided into 2 parts: a) Logic or the theories, technicalities and underlying objectives, and b) Magic, the actual implementation through tools and techniques.
Since I've personally read books on communication before, I knew most of the tips here. But I enjoyed the structure, the authors' personal experiences, some online references and suggestions were informative and handy. Personally, I'd like to use this book for future references, but I'd recommend this to others as first time intro to public speaking, or as a reference book. The reason it's so handy as a reference for brush-up in the future is because it's short and well structured.
The ending has interviews from some public speakers like Harsha Bhogle, Gaurav Kapoor, Mandira Bedi, Cyrus Sahukar and Mini Mathur. While they're informative, they get a bit too detailed and technical and may bore readers who aren't seriously considering hosting shows as a profession. But some of the advice, like the importance of preparation, reading and research etc. are useful for every reader who wants to speak in public, or in front of a group. He may have to sift these through the long interviews.
November 22, 2018
Ever happened that you failed to create the requisite charm as a speaker during any speech or over a presentation or while making a public talk, or that you might have stumbled or failed to remember the words or phrases when they were the most needed. I guess, you guys must have. And you might have turned to the internet for the tips and skills for making effective communication.
Well, I’ve come across a new book called “Speechless” which is a short and straight book on how to have a constructive public speaking. It gives out the key points or tips or tricks that one should work upon prior to making any presentation or a talk.
The authors have imbibed few sets of words starting with the letters of the word ‘Speechless’ and created their own speechless mantra. And these sets of words are further explained in chapters stating their significance in public talking. Besides, the book has striking sketches or outlines emphasizing on the pointers. Furthermore, the book includes Q & A with the famous speakers and hosts.
I loved the presentation of the book and the content which is direct and straight to the point thus cutting out the unnecessary detailing. I totally admire the cover and ‘Speechless’ as the title is the very first reason which piqued my interest and I knew, I wanted to read this book.
Will, I reread this book? Yes, I will.
In nutshell, the book is informative, insightful and useful to the people who wish to learn the pointers for an effective public talking.
Well, I’ve come across a new book called “Speechless” which is a short and straight book on how to have a constructive public speaking. It gives out the key points or tips or tricks that one should work upon prior to making any presentation or a talk.
The authors have imbibed few sets of words starting with the letters of the word ‘Speechless’ and created their own speechless mantra. And these sets of words are further explained in chapters stating their significance in public talking. Besides, the book has striking sketches or outlines emphasizing on the pointers. Furthermore, the book includes Q & A with the famous speakers and hosts.
I loved the presentation of the book and the content which is direct and straight to the point thus cutting out the unnecessary detailing. I totally admire the cover and ‘Speechless’ as the title is the very first reason which piqued my interest and I knew, I wanted to read this book.
Will, I reread this book? Yes, I will.
In nutshell, the book is informative, insightful and useful to the people who wish to learn the pointers for an effective public talking.
September 28, 2019
Some nice tips from the book.Book is concise on different aspects of public speaking.There is learning from every book and I can find a couple of them from this one too.
Being a public speaking coach I would love to recommend to aspiring speakers for some quick tips.
Being a public speaking coach I would love to recommend to aspiring speakers for some quick tips.
March 10, 2019
This one is very special for so many reasons & top amongst those being that it's by Roshan Abbas! So much of the book felt nostalgic...a presentation here, a conversation there, a memory of him on stage or a memory of something he said during the Cathedral musical or an AP meeting. So much of the book was reassurance because I went back to stuff I've written and realized it's got that structure, emotion & the essentials to a story. So much of this book has been a catalyst to overcome a stupidly self-nurtured fear of speaking on stage (he knows what I am talking about). Every book I read, I have this habit of underlining that word, marking off portions I like, adding a star to things I must do or look up; all for days I revisit it and with #Speechless I couldn't put my pen down! The only ink it's missing now is his signature on the first page and that's for the next time we meet.
P.S. loved the illustrative approach throughout!
P.S. loved the illustrative approach throughout!
December 28, 2018
Speechless: What would you say if your life depended on it?
Roshan and Siddharth.
Bloomsbury India
2018. Pp – 150.
A short and quick read. And relatable on so many levels.
This book holds personal importance for me. Being the kind of person who prefers writing over speaking, mostly because of the anxiety around being watched and listened to, this book was an important read for me. So here I am, recommending this to everybody like me!
Blurb-
Ever been at a loss for words on an important occasion? Be it a business presentation or a television appearance, a proposal of love or a one-to-one with your direct reports, this book helps you discover your voice and hence leaves your audience-and not you-speechless!
A powerful D-I-Y book on effective public speaking, Speechless explores and explains the magic and logic which go into crafting an effective speech, presentation or talk. Authored by Roshan Abbas and Siddharth Banerjee, two of India’s most experienced communicators, the book rests on the duo’s belief that effective communication can be taught and shaped by deliberate practice. The authors have distilled 50 years of their experience in effective communication into a simple mantra that you can imbibe and follow, replete with examples, stories, tips and tricks, expert interviews and practice exercises.
Speechless brings-for the first time in India-in-depth interviews of the country’s foremost public speakers, thus serving as a guide to both amateurs and professionals who want to hone their power of public speaking.
This fabulously crafted book ensures two things-one, that you are never speechless, and two, you leave others speechless with awe and respect.
#bookstagramindia #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #review #bookreview #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #unitedbookstagram #delhibookstagramfam #bookishfeatures #bookporn #booknerd #bookstagramfeature #newyear #newyearreads
62 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge #htbrunch
Roshan and Siddharth.
Bloomsbury India
2018. Pp – 150.
A short and quick read. And relatable on so many levels.
This book holds personal importance for me. Being the kind of person who prefers writing over speaking, mostly because of the anxiety around being watched and listened to, this book was an important read for me. So here I am, recommending this to everybody like me!
Blurb-
Ever been at a loss for words on an important occasion? Be it a business presentation or a television appearance, a proposal of love or a one-to-one with your direct reports, this book helps you discover your voice and hence leaves your audience-and not you-speechless!
A powerful D-I-Y book on effective public speaking, Speechless explores and explains the magic and logic which go into crafting an effective speech, presentation or talk. Authored by Roshan Abbas and Siddharth Banerjee, two of India’s most experienced communicators, the book rests on the duo’s belief that effective communication can be taught and shaped by deliberate practice. The authors have distilled 50 years of their experience in effective communication into a simple mantra that you can imbibe and follow, replete with examples, stories, tips and tricks, expert interviews and practice exercises.
Speechless brings-for the first time in India-in-depth interviews of the country’s foremost public speakers, thus serving as a guide to both amateurs and professionals who want to hone their power of public speaking.
This fabulously crafted book ensures two things-one, that you are never speechless, and two, you leave others speechless with awe and respect.
#bookstagramindia #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #review #bookreview #readdreamrepeat #blogger #bookblogger #delhibookstagrammer #indianblogger #igreads #delhiblogger #unitedbookstagram #delhibookstagramfam #bookishfeatures #bookporn #booknerd #bookstagramfeature #newyear #newyearreads
62 down @htbrunch #htbrunchbookchallenge #BrunchBookChallenge #htbrunch
September 8, 2019
Practical and relevant.. There are a few repetition in the book which could have been avoided. The most relevant part was the last section on 'Expert's speak'... Also like the lively and joyful representations on the pages. Makes the reading that much more easier and light..
August 21, 2019
Interesting book of details on public speaking. The book also gives insight into the experts views.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews